Race game apparatus



Jan. 7, 1958 M. M. scHlFFMAN 2,819,083

RACE GAME APPARATUS Filed Aug. 21. 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet l ,4 TTU/PME),

Jan. 7, 1958 M. M. scHlFr-MAN RACE GAME APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 21, 1956 INVENTOR, MAP/F47 M .5CH/(HMM United States i arent RACE GAME APPARATUS Murray M. Schiffman, New York, N. Y. Application August 21, 1956, Serial No. 605,246

7 Claims. (Cl. 273-86) The present invention relates to a race game apparatus.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a novel and improved game apparatus having electricallypropelled objects which may present the forms of rabbits, horses, automobiles or other entities which are to engage in a race. Also for each player, there is a ball-propelling means which is manually operated to throw the ball into various cavities. Ball movements are of course speculative. Movement of the racing objects depends upon ball movement and for certain ball movements, the racing objects will not move at all. Initially, all racing objects are at the starting position in their respective tracks, and

as the apparatus is manipulated by each player in succession, the racing object reaching the goal position first, wins.

Another object thereof is to provide a novel and imlproved game apparatus of the nature set forth, which is reasonably cheap to manufacture, easy to use and eflicient in carrying out the functions for which it is designed.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as this disclosure proceeds.

For the practice of this invention, one form it may assume, may comprise two sets of parallel tracks, at

least one track of each set being of electrically conductive material. These tracks are all on a board between two narrow and rather tall boxes. This is for a two-player game. In each box is a paddle wheel on a horizontal `shaft respectively. Each such shaft carries a laterally extending contact brush arm for successively contacting `conductive segments arranged in the manner of a com- `mutator on a wall of each box respectively. Along each set of tracks, there is a series of closely spaced conductive segments. A rabbit or other hollow form carries an -electric motor therein whose shaft extends horizontally -therefrom for frictional contact with one of the tracks.

There are of course two such rabbits, one for each track. Each such rabbit form is on four wheels so it can ride between a set of tracks and has two contact arms to serve as brushes to bring power to the motor. One such brush `arm rides over and contacts the conductive rail while the other rides over and contacts the segments of the series along the tracks. Each brush associated with conductive `segments along the track and with the commutator, is of a width to bridge two adjacent segments in its travel. The electrical connections are such that upon movement of the paddle wheel in one direction, the rabbit will be caused to advance one segment along the track and upon movement of the paddle wheel in the other direction, the rabbit will advance two steps. In each box mentioned there extends a lever on which a ball is rested. Each player manually manipulates his own lever to propel the ball towards the paddle wheel in the box of his unit. Deector plates within the box lead the ball to either side of the periphery of the paddle wheel or away therefrom When the ball hits a vane of the paddle wheel, it will `cause such wheel to turn the distance of one commutator segment. If the propelled ball, whose motion is of course 'ice speculative, falls clear of the paddle wheel, the rabbit will remain at rest. The oor of each box is inclined so that the ball will return to its rest position on the lever. The rabbit which reaches the goal position along its track or path first, wins. The rules of play may of course be varied. Each goal end of the paths along which the rabbit contestants move, may have a switch device to actuate a lamp when the goal position is reached. If desired, provision can be made that upon a contestant reaching the goal position, all motor circuits are opened. The boxes may of course, be remote from the track or path structures. The wheels on the contestant may be omitted and reliance had on its sliding along the pathway between the tracks.` The paddle wheel may be on a vertical axis if properly positioned to be activated by the ball in its movement.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specication, similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Fig. l is a front elevation of a game apparatus embodying the teachings of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic showing of one players apparatus and the electrical wiring diagram therefor.

Fig. 4 is a section taken at lines 4 4 in Fig. 2, showing a section through the box and its appurtenances.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a rabbit form housing a motor and provided with the necessary contact arms in this embodiment.`

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary diagrammatic showing of the apparatus for two players and the electrical wiring diagram therefor whereby the entire apparatus is operated by a single source of electrical energy and light signals are provided at each goal end; the winning rabbit opening the motor circuit when it reaches its goal and operates the light at its goal.

In the drawings showing one form this invention may assume, the unit apparatus for each player consists of a ball propelling means and other appurtenances housed in or carried on a closed box structure 15, one wall of which is preferably transparent so that ball movement may be observed and a track means 16 with various appurtenances thereto including a miniature electric-motor-propelled vehicle which 'may be in the form of a rabbit 17 or other suitable form to simulate a race contestant, set to ride along the track 16. Description of one such unit apparatus will therefore suice for all. In the embodiment illustrated, there are two such units. The tracks` 16 may be on a raised oor 18 spanned between the boxes 15 which are mounted on a base board 19. The electric motor housed within the rabbit form vehicle 17, is denoted by the numeral 20. i l

Extending through the front wall of the box 15, is a lever 21 pivoted on a horizontal axis 22 on such wall. The end of the lever within the box, is for holding a ball 24 of suitableweight so that `if it falls on and strikes a vane of the paddlewheel 25, it will cause such wheel to be turned part of a revolution. This paddle wheel is of course within the box, extends close up to both sides walls of said box, and the shaft on which it is secured extends outwardly of the casing or box 15 and is denoted by the numeral 26. Such shaft carries a laterally extending brush contact arm 27 for contacting successively the conductive segments which are arranged on the exterior surface of the box, around said shaft 26, in the fashion of a commutator structure 28. Various partition deector members 60, 61, 62 are across the side walls of the box 15 to direct or obstruct the ball. When the outer end of the lever 21 is struck to move downward sharply, the ball 24 will be propelled and its movement to the paddle wheel region and whether it will fall in a direction of any of the arrows A, Bf

"'C ori D,"'will"b'e speculative. The ceiling of the box 15'; of course; 'also acts as `adetl'ectorforthe ball.

If said ball 24 falls at the arrow C, it will cause the paddle wheel 25.to be shifted a partialturn. in counter-.clockwise direction. If ".the b'all""fa'lls' atthe 'arrow B`,"it" will .cause the vpaddle" wheel to beturned a partial turn in clockwise direction. :Ifthe' 'ball falls" at"either of arrows A orlD,the paddle 'wheel Vwill of course remain atrest. In all "events, the ball 'reachesthe forwardly downwardly inclinedoor 29 of".the box laland rolls back ontov thelever 21, whose inward end 1s returned to downward normal'rest position,either by gravity or by atensioned coil spring as at '30.

The terminalsof the motor' 20 'are electrically connected respectivelyto'the brush contact arms 31and 32 which are insulated from each. other and extendfrom the animal form or vehicle 17. L The motor shaft may be arranged to'drive the wheels 33 directly, or said shaft 34 as shown in lFig. 5, may extend 'and have a rubber sleeve 35 for frictional contact with track 16. 'The track 16 is electrically conductive and is contacted by the brush contact arm 31, whilethe Contact arm 32.rides on the row of spaced, conductive segments marked 1,72, 3, which are along the track 16 in the embodiment illustrated. At the goal end ofthe track, there is a normally open switch 36, adapted to be closed by the vehicle 17 when it reaches the goal end, to. operate thecircuit ofA a lamp 37 vor other signal device.

"For the embodiment shown, the numberof segments constituting the commutator 28.is a multiple of. three and the spacing of the varies 25 of the paddle wheel 25 should be such that the shifting of said wheel by movement of the ball 24, shall be one com-plete segment of the conimutator in length; the commutator contact seg- .ments 101, 102, 103 being identical and equi-spaced; the width of the brush arm 27 being such that it. can `be in contact with any two successive commutator segments simultaneously.l The.. contact segments 1,.. 2, 3 `alongthe track, are preferably equal. inlength; the width of the -contact arm 32 .being :such that it 'can be in Contact with any two. .consecutive...segments of. these, simultaneously.

v.Referring to the electrical. system shownin-fFig.g3, it will' be noted thatI all.vv contact.` segments 1 and 101 are Aelectrically connected, that all segments Zand 102 are-electrically connected and .that all segments 3 and 103 are 'electrically connected,.respectively. The terminals of a battery '38 or othercurrent. supply,=arerespectively connected tolthe...commutatorfbrush..arm..27: andk the conductive. track member 16". .The-mentioned. switch 36 which is at'..t he.;goal.end. of thetrack,` isinterposed iny the..circuit .of.the...lamp: 37. arrangemto be powered by said. battery 38.

When the .contestant 17 is atthestarting positionvonthe track' 16,'the brush contact arm 32 is on zthesegment 1 which is. nearest :the starting. '-line while. .the 7contact .arm 27 overlaps a .pair of icommutator segments which are in succession` and .numbered,.1.02, 103.

Say that .the .paddle `wheel .25.has 'been causedto turn (a onefsixth: turn in. this embodiment). clockwise. The contact arm 27. willfthenoverlap the: commutator segments '101 and 103, whereupon the motor will get current andthe contestant will move untilfthe contact arm 32 is off thersttsegment 1 .and onthesegment 2. next to it. The motor circuit .isv now open. The .contestant 17 has advanced..one. division alongfthetrack. Say that now the .paddlewheeliscausedzto shift a'step counter-clockwise. .This willi bringqthecontactfarm'27 to 'overlap the commutaton segmentsf1-102,v 103.l The contact arm 3,2 .being ontthe `firstfsegrrrent2^, ithe'fsrriotor circuit 'will be "closedriand ithetontestant 1117-; `vvll"travel until said 'con- .tact-.iarm .32.1is: offtheirst "contact-segment 3 and will '-f'befontoictheifsecond@segment 1 alongthe track. Said contestant will-` havei--advanced in'fthe second play, two

"trical control systemshown,` for each shift ofthe paddle wheel clockwise, the contestant will advance one position along the track and for each counter-clockwise shift, there will be an advance of two positions along the track.

The traction and inertia characteristic of the contestant 17 should be made so that with the low starting speed of this motor 2t), the contestant shall not overrun the contact segment -alongfthe track where. the motor circuit is open.

Without further illustrationyit-i-s evidentto those versed in the .art .that other amounts. `of advance ofthe contestant "17 up its track or path can be accomplished with systems wherethe-segrnents along the track and the commutator segments are arranged instead of in sets of three as illustrated, that they should be in sets of four or other number. Of course, in such modifications, the scope of movement of the .paddlewheel shouldbefmade to suit.

vAt least two units asshown in Figs.v 1 and 2, constitute` a game ,apparatus havingtwowl separately operated contestants. The wiring. .diagram forA both such -units combinedfor `operation from. a singleeenergy source 38 is shown in Fig. 6, where. also.there are. includedsignal lamps 37, one for each of theracewaystolbe operated bythe contestants respectively.

If we disregard for the moment, 4the'signal'larnps 37 and their. connectionsto the Vcircuits respectively, ;each of the game -units .are electrically vconnected in Eig-.6, inthe same manneras shown .in Fig. 3, `exceptthat-iboth units infFig. 6 are. in parallelv withrrespect -to lthe-.eneigy -source 38.

-TQ provide switch.. means for the contestants17 to operate respectively at the goalposition, so thatthezproper lamp'. 37 will be lit and `.current-cut off from the-motors 20, such switch means 50,. are -eachof the singlelgpole, double throw type -in normal positionas shown in'Fig. 6.

When a contestant shifts the blade 51 of eitherswitcho to contact with a pole 52,*then the associated lamp 37 will light up .and the negative side yof the-batteryif38' will be disconnected from the` motor circuits. Theilamps `37 may be ofcontrasting color orother signal meansmay be substituted .in their steadl ast-for instance ielectric buzzers of different tone.

. To play this race game, Ithe contact arms 27-aremanual- 1y se'tin their initialrequiredposition where;each.:bridges the related. commutators'segments -102 anda-.103:rsymmetrically. The .box wallsnear the'cornmutators 28:.may be suitably..markedtolfacilitate .such fsetting. .The'rcontestants 17 are now set at the starting.positionninvtheir vrespective paths 16 whereby the( contactarms 32swill con tact the first segment .marked 1 along such-paths `respectively. Each- .player lnow v1operates the ball-:propelling lever 21 of his unit, each 1time -his ball 26falls intofposition as. shownin Fig. 4.at atime when his :contestant :17 is atrest. The contestant reaching-the'goalzpositionrst Wins. vWhen acontestantreaches. .the lgoal ,iposit'iomffit w'ill operate the. associated switchanditslamp k37.wil1.be come lit. The contestants 17 -are now; brought back to-.the

initial startingposition tand :the contact'arms 27 fare again manually, shifted: to. .their required -start 'position asumen- .tioned,. and the .apparatus .v is Know :readyrffor ,.the.:next

and serving as a contestant in such game; said contestant being positioned for movement along said path and arranged to move therealong upon actuation of said motor, a plurality of sets of successively spaced electrically conductive segments arranged successively along the path, a rst electrically conductive arm carried by the motorcarrying member, in contact always with one of the segments along said path and capable of being in contact with any two successive segments along the path, at least one set of successive spaced electrically conductive segments arranged successively in the form of a commutator, a rotatable shaft, a second contact arm arranged to be moved by said shaft; said second contact arm being electrically conductive and in contact always with one of the segments of the commutator and capable of being in contact with any two successive segments of said commutator; one of said contact arms, at every rest position thereof, being in contact with two adjacent segments of those segments it is associated with; the number of segments in each of the mentioned sets being identical and all correspondingly positioned segments of all the sets being electrically connected respectively, a source of electrical energy, means electrically connecting one terminal of said energy source with a terminal of the motor; the other terminal of the energy source being electrically connected to the second contact arm; the other terminal of the motor being electrically connected to the first contact arm and means operable by an element which is adapted to be propelled in speculative fashion, for turning said shaft in either direction whereby the second contact arm is moved along the commutator a distance equal to the length of one commutator segment; the length of each commutator segment being substantially equal.

2. The race game device as defined in claim l, wherein the means operable by the propelled element comprises a wheel having vanes; said wheel being arranged to drive the mentioned shaft; said wheel being adapted to be turned by the propelled element, when such element assumes prescribed movements.

3. The race game device as defined in claim 1, wherein the propelled element is a ball and including mechanism adapted when actuated when the ball is in a prescribed position thereon, to propel said ball towards the mentioned means which is operable by a propelled element.

4. The race game device as defined in claim 3, including means positioned in possible paths of the ball, for changing its course.

5. The race game device as defined in claim l, wherein the means electrically connecting the first mentioned terminal of the motor to the energy source comprises an electrically conductive member along the path and a third contact arm carried by the motor-carrying member; said third contact arm being electrically conductive and electrically connected to the first terminal of the motor and in constant contact with said electrically conductive member along the path.

6. The race game device as defined in claim 1, wherein the path has a goal end, a normally opened electrical switch having an operating member positioned near the goal end of said path; the motor-carrying member being adapted to contact and move said operating member when such motor-carrying member reaches the goal end, whereby said switch is set into closed condition, a signal device and an operating electrical circuit therefor; said switch being interposed in such circuit of the signal device.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6, including another identical apparatus and means comprising electrical switches interposed in the circuits of the motors whereby upon closing of any one of the switches controlling the signal means respectively, the motor circuits will be opened; the switches controlling the motor circuits and the signal means having the same operating member in each apparatus respectively.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,454,968 Higuchi May 15, 1923 2,526,215 Florimont Oct. 17, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 6,529 Australia July 12, 1927 572,519 Great Britain Oct. 11, 1945 645,587 Great Britain a Nov. 1, 1950 

